Eileen Richards MBE has followed up her year as Chamber president with two new roles – after being appointed as the vice-chair of Hope Against Cancer and a Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire.
In taking over from Prof Ian Lauder at the cancer research charity in Leicestershire and Rutland, she brings her wealth of experience from the Chamber board – on which she continues to serve after handing over her presidential chains to Lindsey Williams last December – and a passion for making a positive impact in the fight against cancer.
Since joining the Hope Against Cancer board in 2016, Eileen has been a part of many initiatives including the Hope through Business club, which hosts two annual lunches and now has more than 50 members raising £1,500 every 18 months. Her own team at ER Recruitment also frequently participates in fundraising events.
Eileen said: “Hope holds a very special place in my heart and I am proud to have been a part of the incredible work it has achieved so far. I’m excited to continue to take the charity forward in funding research to find a cure for cancer.”
Hope Against Cancer CEO Nigel Rose added: “I’ve been working with Eileen in her role as trustee for a number of years, where her passion, commitment and guidance has been an excellent source of support in helping me personally, and the team more widely, to deliver our aims and mission and I’m delighted she has now stepped up to be vice-chair of Hope.”
Deputy Lieutenants appointed in Leicestershire
Last month, she was also commissioned by Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE – who is the official representative of the Queen in Leicestershire – as one of seven new Deputy Lieutenants in honour of her service to the local community.
The others were Prof Robert Allison CBE, Ian Borley, Prof Ivan Browne, Penny Coates, Dr Nik Kotecha and Mike Sandys.
They will each undertake a wide range of duties and participate in citizenship ceremonies, attending remembrance services and parades, and helping to assess local organisations nominate for awards and honours.
Mike said: “The lieutenancy has enjoyed longstanding links with the uniformed services, and with local community and voluntary organisations, of Leicester and Leicestershire.
“These links are further enhanced following the appointments of these very deserving candidates.”
